Launceston: Co-op funding boost for community groups

More than £24,112.31 has been shared among groups in and around the area.

The Launceston Youth Project received £2,777, while the League of Friends of Launceston Hospital & Community was awarded £3,172.

The benefits of the Co-op's Local Community Fund extend beyond financial support, with 95 per cent of causes stating that they felt more connected with their community as a result of participating in the scheme.

The initiative also helped raise their profile locally.

The amount received by each cause is driven by Co-op members, who select the local cause they wish to support via the Co-op’s Membership App.

Since 2020, the Co-op’s Local Community Fund has shared more than £58 million with over 20,500 community groups across the UK.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and member participation at Co-op, said: "Co-op is a different way of doing business - and as a business owned by you, we are committed to doing right by you and your community.

"Co-op members have a say on where they would like to see the support given in order to make a difference locally, and our Local Community Fund works to promote healthy, strong and viable communities.

"We are delighted that as a direct result of our members shopping with us, causes in towns, villages and cities across the UK will be celebrating receiving critical funding.

"We know things are increasingly tough for communities - this funding will help them with delivering the services and support that their community needs and create a real and tangible difference to local lives."

Rebecca Birkbeck (Image: Co-op) The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with a history dating back 180 years.

Its members own the business and play an intrinsic part in its governance, with a say in how the organisation is run.

Funding is further boosted through the convenience retailer’s ‘Winners Share It All’ prize draw, which offers 10 chances each month to win £5,000 for causes and £500 for Co-op members.

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting www.coop.co.uk/membership.